Dear Temple Beth Or Members,

Rabbi Marshall is "on board" and getting to know many of us. She had a warm welcome from the students, parents, and faculty of the Religious School. She is setting up her office and has her schedule set. To learn more about Rabbi Marshall or to see her office hours, please see her bio link from the Temple Beth Or Home Page. And please remember: the best way to get to know the rabbi is through participation in Temple activities and events!


Vicky Romero and Kathie Roon,
Transition Co-Chairs

Rabbi Bruce Elder, Rabbi Marshall's rabbi and honored guest at her Installation Service, was born in Youngstown, Ohio. He graduated from Indiana University, Phi Beta Kappa, with a bachelor's degree in History and Psychology with certification in Jewish Studies.

Upon graduation, Rabbi Elder moved to Chicago where he worked for the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs (JCUA), a Jewish social justice organization dedicated to empowering Chicago's diverse communities. His work at the JCUA led him to become a rabbi. He entered Hebrew Union College, the Reform movement's theological seminary, and was ordained in 1996. He served as an assistant rabbi for a 950 family congregation in Cherry Hill, New Jersey before moving back to Chicago in 1999.

Rabbi Elder served as associate rabbi of Congregation Hakafa in Glencoe, IL and again on the staff of the JCUA until assuming the position of Rabbi at Hakafa in 2002. He currently serves on the executive committee of the JCUA and is on the board of both the Interfaith Housing Center of the Northern Suburbs and the Good News Community Kitchen. He is a member of the Jewish Values and Ethics Committee of the Council for Jewish Elderly and is a US-Japan Leadership Program Fellow. Rabbi Elder lives in Highland Park, IL with his wife, Rona, and their three sons, Joshua, Noah, and Eli.

Rabbi Welcome Weekend

• The Shabbat and Installation Service for Rabbi Marshall took place on July 17. Guest Rabbi Rabbi Bruce Elder (see bio in left column) collaborated with Rabbi Marshall to produce a very meaningful service for everyone.
• Rabbis Marshall and Elder led us through a Havdalah, Dessert, and Adult Ed Program on July 18. We explored the mystical and ritual aspects of Havdalah during several wide-ranging discussions. Certainly none of us will ever look at the spice box in the same way again!
• We welcomed Rabbi Marshall at our Annual Picnic on July 19. The weather, food, and company were spectacular at Mukilteo's Lighthouse Park in Mukilteo. A great way to end a great weekend
  
  
  

Dear Temple Beth Or,

Thank you for such a lovely installation weekend.  I have been so touched by all of the festivities and all that you have done to welcome me. 

My father and Margaret also exclaimed over and over again what an exceptional community this is and I want to pass along their thanks for your wonderful hospitality.
I truly feel blessed that we will have the opportunity to grow, struggle, learn, and rejoice together. 

Todah Raba, Many Thanks,

Rabbi Jessica Kessler Marshall